Kia wants its new Rio to “inject some emotional appeal into the B-segment” and is targeting the model at “progressive, energetic customers who want a stand-out design”.

Schreyer describes the Rio as being “sporty and elegant”. It has a sleek, almost coupe-like profile, with a narrow sculpted glasshouse and detailing in the side doors that is reminiscent of Vauxhall’s ‘blade’ design from its Astra and Insignia models.

Kia says the Rio’s “character line rising out of the front wheel gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary”.